Rivers Crisis: Fubara is Wike’s Political Investment – Tony Okocha

The political crisis in Rivers State continues to escalate as Tony Okocha, the Caretaker Committee Chairperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers, publicly asserts that Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s adherence to legal processes is crucial to resolving the turmoil. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, Okocha emphasized that stability in the state hinges on the governor’s compliance with recent judicial rulings.

The Federal High Court in Abuja recently issued a ruling suspending the Central Bank of Nigeria’s release of funds from the federation account to the Rivers State Government. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who presided over the case, found that Governor Fubara’s presentation of the 2024 budget before a diminished Rivers House of Assembly violated constitutional requirements. She further criticized the governor’s handling of state funds as a significant departure from constitutional norms, asserting that Fubara’s actions demonstrated a disregard for the Constitution.

The Role of Wike in the Crisis

Okocha’s remarks shed light on the political dynamics in Rivers, framing Governor Fubara as the political protégé of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. According to Okocha, Fubara was propelled into his current role by Wike, whom he described as having “lifted [Fubara] from a state of relative political obscurity.” The APC chairperson dismissed claims that Wike was “suffocating” Fubara, calling such allegations an attempt to manipulate public sentiment.

“Wike has no role in stifling Fubara. The crisis is a result of the governor’s own actions,” Okocha stated. He cautioned against “psychological blackmail” targeting Wike and President Bola Tinubu, insisting that the solution to the crisis lies in Governor Fubara’s respect for the court’s judgment.

A Call for Legal Compliance

Okocha reiterated that Governor Fubara’s alleged circumvention of proper legislative procedure in implementing an unapproved budget undermines the rule of law. Highlighting that the APC stands by the judiciary, Okocha argued that Rivers’ path to peace involves Fubara adhering to the court’s ruling. “Sentiment does not override legal facts,” he noted.

The APC chairperson also suggested that President Tinubu’s initial attempt to mediate was undermined by the governor’s reluctance to follow through on the President’s recommendations. According to Okocha, this resistance has fueled the current crisis, which he characterizes as a conflict within Fubara’s own administration.

Regional Elders’ Intervention: “Too Little, Too Late”

Okocha voiced skepticism about the recent attempts by Niger Delta elders to mediate in the Rivers crisis, describing their involvement as a belated effort. He questioned why these elders did not act sooner, hinting that some may have profited from the governor’s unchecked actions.

Looking ahead, Okocha indicated that the Supreme Court might be the final arbiter if Governor Fubara does not rectify his approach. He expressed frustration that figures who once emboldened Fubara have distanced themselves, leaving the governor to confront mounting pressures alone.